What began as a social media adventure in search of delectable breakfast dumplings spiraled into a monumental traffic gridlock involving thousands of cyclists journeying between two bustling cities in central China.
This phenomenon, which was initially seen as a potential economic boost for the historic city of Kaifeng, took an unexpected turn when the trend skyrocketed in popularity—resulting in tens of thousands of cyclists renting bikes and making their way through the night from the nearby metropolis of Zhengzhou.
A once-busy six-lane expressway between Zhengzhou and Kaifeng became congested with cyclists, prompting local police to utilize loudspeakers imploring riders to disperse and return to their origins. In response to the overwhelming demand, bike rental companies began cautioning customers that they would remotely lock bikes taken outside Zhengzhou.
The surge in cycling enthusiasts is emblematic of a broader trend among young Chinese individuals, seeking budget-friendly travel experiences amid a floundering economy and increasingly challenging job market.
The movement took root earlier this year when a group of four university students embarked on a 50-kilometer (30-mile) trek from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng, lured by the prospect of savoring guantangbao, a popular soup dumpling.
“You don’t get a second chance at youth, so you must go for a spontaneous trip with friends,” one of the students affirmed to local media, inspiring countless others to join in.
That resonating message struck a chord with many young people residing in the city of 12.6 million, as the youth of China have increasingly expressed feelings of burnout from an intensely competitive and demanding job market.
Thus emerged the social media phenomenon known as the “Night Ride to Kaifeng”.
Initially, state media hailed the event as a vibrant showcase of young people’s “passion,” while local authorities viewed it as an opportunity to cultivate a moment of fame akin to last year’s influx of visitors to Zibo, where an influx of tourists flocked to sample its famous barbecues.
Prior to the chaotic scene unfolding on Friday night, Kaifeng’s officials had even rolled out discounts and events specifically targeting college students and implemented additional traffic management strategies to ensure the cyclists’ safety.
“Everyone was beaming with energy and interacting with people around them. It was like back to my college days,” 27-year-old Ms. Li shared with the BBC.
She made the decision to join the enthusiastic cyclists after encountering a social media post about the trend, opting to “live like a young person for once” by riding a motorbike to Kaifeng amidst the revelry on Friday night.
However, Ms. Li noted the significant police presence along the route, stating, “You could see ambulances and traffic police cars on both sides of the road quite often, and there were also drones flying above to monitor the traffic.”
Despite the initial festive atmosphere, the scene shifted dramatically as the roads in Zhengzhou began to become inundated with an overwhelming number of bicycles.
Several social media images captured the serious congestion plaguing the main thoroughfares connecting Zhengzhou to Kaifeng. One witness reported to local outlet Jimu News that his typical one-hour drive on that route stretched to a staggering three hours.
Several riders took to social media to express their frustrations, as some were forced to dismount and push their bikes through the thick crowds.
While no definitive count of bicycles navigating the roads on Friday night was officially recorded, social media estimates suggested that the number may have ranged from 100,000 to 200,000.
Many of those who actually made it to Kaifeng reported dissatisfaction with their experience.
“I really regret going,” lamented one viral post from a student who pedaled for more than seven hours. With overwhelming demand, they found themselves unable to secure a taxi or a hotel room upon arrival.
“As I sat in a restaurant eating my meal, I heard the owner criticizing college students for having nothing else to do… I’m really sorry for affecting the people in Kaifeng,” the distressed student shared.
Some social media users condemned the cyclists for what they deemed “irresponsible” behavior, which included littering.
As the congestion escalated, three of China’s major bike rental platforms released a joint statement urging students to opt for trains or buses for long-distance travel and to refrain from night cycling for safety’s sake.
By Saturday afternoon, these companies began implementing fees for those who rode to a different city.
Several social media posts indicated that some universities in Zhengzhou requested students to return to their dormitories and imposed restrictions on leaving the campus.
Traffic authorities in both Zhengzhou and Kaifeng took the precautionary step of closing off certain primary cycling lanes over the weekend.
It is unsurprising to see officials in both cities reacting firmly, as Chinese authorities historically have been wary of large gatherings due to concerns that they may incite protests or political expression.
Just last month, police in Shanghai suppressed Halloween celebrations over concerns that the festivities might be exploited to express dissent.
Ms. Li maintains that spontaneous events like the Night Ride to Kaifeng will continue to flourish because they resonate deeply with the young population.
“People are so stressed these days, so these events are a good thing,” she states. “Because happiness is infectious.”
Community,” another cyclist expressed, highlighting the unintended consequences of the event.
**Interview with Ms. Li, a participant in the “Night Ride to Kaifeng”**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Ms. Li. It seems that your decision to participate in the “Night Ride to Kaifeng” was quite spontaneous. Can you tell us what motivated you to join this event?
**Ms. Li:** Absolutely! I came across a social media post about this cycling adventure and it really spoke to me. I thought, “Why not live like a young person for once?” It was the idea of spontaneity and adventure with friends that drew me in.
**Editor:** It sounds like an electrifying experience! Can you describe the atmosphere during the ride?
**Ms. Li:** Initially, it was fantastic! Everyone was full of energy, sharing laughs, and interacting with fellow riders. It felt like a throwback to my college days—there was a sense of camaraderie among all of us.
**Editor:** However, as the night went on, things took an unexpected turn. What was it like when the roads became congested with cyclists?
**Ms. Li:** That was quite chaotic. The roads were overflowing, and at one point, we could see police presence everywhere—ambulances, traffic police, and even drones monitoring the situation. It soon became apparent that the excitement was turning into a logistical nightmare.
**Editor:** Many people have expressed frustration about the traffic situation. Did you feel that too?
**Ms. Li:** Yes, definitely. While I initially enjoyed the ride, as the hours passed and the congestion grew, it became frustrating. I saw some cyclists dismounting to push their bikes through the crowd, which was unexpected. It was a stark contrast from the joyous atmosphere we started with.
**Editor:** Some riders reported dissatisfaction upon reaching Kaifeng. How did your experience compare?
**Ms. Li:** I understand their frustration. While I was excited to arrive, I heard many people complaining about not being able to get taxis or accommodation. There were also comments about us students not having anything better to do. I felt torn, because while it was great to seek adventure, I didn’t want to burden the local residents.
**Editor:** Looking back, would you do it again or would you advise others to participate in such events?
**Ms. Li:** I think it’s important to find balance. The idea of adventure and spontaneous trips can be so refreshing, but I’d definitely suggest better planning next time—to avoid overwhelming the local community and ensure a smooth experience for everyone involved.
**Editor:** Thank you, Ms. Li, for sharing your insights and experiences. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the joys and challenges of such a unique trend.
**Ms. Li:** Thank you for having me!
